1 March 2013 –Vajra Vidhya Institute, Sarnath.

On the afternoon of March 1st the Gyalwang Karmapa presided over an extensive puja dedicated to the long life of his main tutor, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.

“Our Lord of Refuge, Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche, is now in his old age,” the Gyalwang Karmapa said, as he announced the puja to the entire sangha. “But he is still present, and so hopefully he can remain and continue to bring benefit to the teachings and to beings. He is someone who has spent his entire life practicing the dharma, through both the teachings of scripture and through practice. At this point in Rinpoche’s life I feel that even if we hear just a tiny amount of Rinpoche’s speech it will be very beneficial, and I truly believe this. By doing this puja we can please the lama and ask him to remain, so the aim of doing this is for Kyabje Thrangu Rinpoche’s long life.”

The puja, called ‘A Ritual of Offerings to the Gurus’ (Lama Chöpa), began with prayers recited in Sanskrit. The Gyalwang Karmapa then led the assembly in reciting the liturgies for a full three and a half hours, with Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche seated to his left. Hundreds of monks, nuns and lay devotees, including many international devotees, joined their voices with the Gyalwang Karmapa’s in making united aspirations for Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche’s long life.

“The other day,” the Gyalwang Karmapa said, “on the 15th of the Tibetan month, Rinpoche went to great effort to do the long-life puja and long-life offering for me. He prayed so that I might have a long life. In addition, all the members of the sangha made great aspirations and prayers that I would live long, as did all of my dharma friends who are here. And so I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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